BAE Systems Wins Place on 737 Max

The Boeing 737 Max will use BAE Systems' spoiler control electronics under a contract announced July 2. (Photo: Boeing)

BAE Systems has won a contract to provide the spoiler control electronics for the new Boeing 737 Max, the UK-based company announced Tuesday. The deal boosts BAE’s comparatively small but resurgent civil business at a time of sagging defense spending. Europe’s largest defense contractor, BAE relinquished its once major position in civil aerospace manufacturing when it sold its 20-percent share of Airbus to EADS in 2006.

“Boeing appreciates BAE Systems’ commitment to the Partnering for Success program, and its focus on reducing cost to meet program objectives,” said Kent Fisher, vice president of supplier management at Boeing. “BAE Systems’ proposal was an aggressive approach toward making the 737 Max successful. We look forward to collaborating with BAE Systems on this and future opportunities.”

BAE plans to develop the spoiler control electronics at its facility in Endicott, New York, and manufacture them in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Boeing expects the program to reach firm design configuration this month, ahead of planned first delivery in the third quarter of 2017.